The Power of the Faith Message

Lonnie Ellis, OFS

The Power of the Faith Mes-sage

1) Evidence That It’s Working2) Thinking About Pope Francis’ Encyclical3) How the Catholic Church is Acting4) Brief Tips for You

1) Evidence: The Catholic Church Is Mak-ing Waves

70% Public acceptance of climate change hit 70% this fall.

Yale and George Mason U. study:• 1 in 6 Americans and 1 in 3 Catholics reported Pope Francis influ-

enced their views on climate (17% and 35%, respectively)• Authors cited the 7 press events by Catholic Climate Covenant and

our grassroots outreach as important factors.

1) Evidence: The Catholic Church Is Mak-ing Waves

70% Public acceptance of climate change hit 70% this fall.

Yale and George Mason U. study:• 1 in 6 Americans and 1 in 3 Catholics reported Pope Francis influ-

enced their views on climate (17% and 35%, respectively)• Authors cited the 7 press events by Catholic Climate Covenant and

our grassroots outreach as important factors.U. of Michigan/Muhlenberg College:• Similarly, 15% reported that

Pope Francis influenced their views.

• 75% of Americans agreed that “Rich countries like the US have a moral obligation to show international leadership by reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.” Up from 58% in 2013.

Its All About the MessengerYouGov/Faith in Public Life study:

Its All About the MessengerYouGov/Faith in Public Life study:

• 10% jump in belief in climate change from Catholic Republicans (from 27% to 37%).

Its All About the MessengerYouGov/Faith in Public Life study:

• 10% jump in belief in climate change from Catholic Republicans (from 27% to 37%).

Its All About the MessengerYouGov/Faith in Public Life study:

• 10% jump in belief in climate change from Catholic Republicans (from 27% to 37%).

2) Thinking about Laudato Si’• Follows the model of See, Judge, Act• Pope speaking as a Faith Leader, not as a Scientist or Political Leader

See:The Catholic Perspective Focuses on the Impact on People

Judge:“We know that technology based on the use of highly pollutingfossil fuels – especially coal, but also oil and, to a lesser degree, gas – needs to be progressively replaced without delay. Until greater progress is made in developing widely accessible sources of renewable energy, it is legitimate to choose the less harmful alternative or to find short-term solutions.”(LS, paragraph 165)

Judge:“We lack an awareness of our common origin, of our mutual belonging, and of a future to be shared with everyone. This basic awareness would enable the development of new convictions, attitudes and forms of life. A great cultural, spiritual and educational challenge stands before us, and it will demand that we set out on the long path of renewal.” (202)

“Civic and Political Love”“We must regain the conviction that we need one another, that we have a shared responsibility for others and the world, and that being good and decent are worth it.” (229)

“All it takes is one good person to restore hope!” (71)

“Injustice is not invincible” (74)

Laudato Si’ Spirituality:Simpler yet fuller lives“Christian spirituality proposes an alternative understanding of the quality of life, and encourages a prophetic and contemplative lifestyle, one capable of deep enjoyment free of the obsession with consumption. We need to take up an ancient lesson, found in different religious traditions and also in the Bible. It is the conviction that “less is more.”…

Laudato Si’ Spirituality:Simpler yet fuller lives“A constant flood of new consumer goods can baffle the heart and prevent us from cherishing each thing and each moment. To be serenely present to each reality, however small it may be, opens us to much greater horizons of understanding and personal fulfilment. Christian spirituality proposes a growth marked by moderation and the capacity to be happy with little. It is a return to that simplicity which allows us to stop and appreciate the small things, to be grateful for the opportunities which life affords us, to be spiritually detached from what we possess, and not to succumb to sadness for what we lack.”(222) 

Honesty and Openness

Ur-gency

3) How the Catholic Church is ActingPope is calling for dialogue and solutions

Act:

Educate

Live Sustainably

Advocate

Educate:www.catholicclimatecovenant.org

Live Sustainably:www.catholicclimatecovenant.org

Toolscatholicclimatecovenant.org/act

Creation Care Teams• Resources to recruit team

members• Tools for education• Hands-on activities• Inspiration and reflection

Feast of St. Francis Educational Program• Reflection on living our faith• Hands-on activities• Advocacy

Advocate in the Public Arena

The Public Voice of the Church

The Public Voice of the Church

Enlighten those who possess power and moneythat they may avoid the sin of indifference,that they may love the common good, advance the weak, and care for this world in which we live.(prayer from Laudato Si’)

4) Tips

A) Be relationship-oriented and not pro-gram-oriented.

4) Tips

A) Be relationship-oriented and not pro-gram-oriented.

B) Consider silent partnerships vs. public partnerships.

4) Tips

A) Be relationship-oriented and not pro-gram-oriented.

B) Consider silent partnerships vs. public partnerships.

C) Be patient and work with long time frames.

Go Get ‘Em!

Interfaith Power & Light affiliates in 40 states are working with over 15,000 religious communities of all faith traditions to respond to climate change. Through IPL, faith communities are educating about climate change, going green in their facilities, and speaking out for Creation locally and nationally.

InterfaithPowerandLight.org/YourState